Angela Hewitt, piano
Hyperion CDA67310 69m DDD

Here, Bach is in fine fettle throughout with loving and caressing melodies all around and the usual thrusting momentum never far from the propulsive brilliance of these works. Each Toccata is markedly similar in format yet there are some which clock in at just over 11 minutes with others a mere six minutes long.

There is nothing much to say about Hewitt's playing here, she is evidently enjoying herself in the master's music and this shows all around with sprightly, well-nigh perfect readings all the way. I would single out BWV912 in D Major for unabashed excellence and this is a supreme example of Bach's corporate vision and mastery in the keyboard genre.

The piano is recorded with exemplary clarity by the veteran Ludger Bockenhoff who must know a Steinway from top to bottom! I have no qualms here, just go and get this disc and treat yourself to an hour or so of scintillating piano playing.